Impact of Mindfulness During the Luteal and Early Follicular Phases

Objectives The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of mindful meditation on body image in active females during the luteal and early follicular phases of the menstrual cycle. The participants consisted of 19 recreationally active college aged females. Methods This investigation utilized a quasi-experimental cross-over design consisting of a control (CNT) and intervention (INT) protocol based on estimated phase of the menstrual cycle (luteal and early follicular) within the same research cohort. Body image was evaluated using three surveys: the Self-Compassion Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Body Appreciation Scale. All questionnaires were administered before and after each three-week cycle. The participants maintained their regular lifestyles during the CNT protocol but engaged in mindful meditation sessions lasting approximately 20 minutes each, conducted five days a week the INT protocol. A Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test and Cohen’s D Test were used for statistical analysis with p ≤ 0.05 set as level of significance for all analysis. Results A significant difference was found between the groups on the Self-Compassion Scale for Week 1 (CNT = 2.93 ± 0.56, INT = 3.09 ± 0.48, p  = 0.015) and for Pre on the Body Appreciation Scale (CNT = 3.83 ± 0.77, INT = 3.62 ± 0.76, p  = 0.038). Conclusions Mindfulness meditation positively influenced self-compassion during the suggesting a crucial role in mitigating negative body perceptions in specific menstrual cycle phases. This finding, along with prospective research endeavors, contribute to addressing the existing gaps in female-focused research considering the menstrual cycle.